“We don’t feel like the province has adequately consulted us, we were not involved in the process of consultation from the get-go. We do not know how they came up with their formula, we did not hear about it until the day of their announcement,” FSIN second vice-chief David Pratt said.

The provincial government announced this month that across Saskatchewan, 60 cannabis retail permits will be issued in 40 municipalities or First Nation communities with a population of at least 2,500. Along with storefronts, retailers will also be able to sell marijuana online.

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According to lawyer Donald Worme, the province should have consulted with First Nations before unveiling their plan.

“Clearly there is an obligation and a duty to consult when the province in engaged in certain activities that might otherwise impact on treaty or Aboriginal rights,” Worme stated.

However for some First Nation communities, this means a long drive to buy marijuana in person.

“We have no population base close by greater than 2,500, so you know there could’ve been sort of a catchment area or some kind of regional approach established so that there is no gaps in access for people,” Sakimay First Nation Chief Lynn Acoose said.

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The closest town that could be issued a permit to Sakimay First Nation is Melville, which is approximately a 45-minute drive.

“In regards to the retail operators in our area, I think they are all probably around an hour away from our area,” White Bear First Nation Chief Nathan Pasap said.